Devastation from Cyclone Chido: Impact on Mozambique and Mayotte

Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Mozambique’s Pemba after causing severe devastation in Mayotte. With wind gusts over 200 km/h, it impacts approximately 1.7 million people. Relief organizations, including UNICEF and the IOM, are on-site to coordinate disaster response efforts, while the death toll in Mayotte could be in the hundreds or thousands due to extensive damage.

Cyclone Chido, classified as a Category 4 storm, struck Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique, on December 15, having previously caused significant destruction in Mayotte, a French overseas territory. Early reports indicated that the cyclone was located in northern Mozambique at approximately 14:05 and was already affecting southern Malawi with its severe weather conditions. The Malawi Red Cross, actively responding to the situation, warned of anticipated threats, including heavy rainfall, intense winds, and flash flooding.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that Cyclone Chido impacted over 1.7 million individuals across several provinces in Mozambique, including Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. Alongside governmental efforts, the IOM and various partners are on-site to assess the needs of those affected and coordinate relief efforts. UNICEF Mozambique has also expressed concerns regarding the cyclone’s immediate and long-term effects on a population already facing vulnerabilities and is collaborating with local entities to facilitate response efforts.

Prior to its arrival in Mozambique, Cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte, resulting in widespread damage throughout the territory. Colin McCarthy, an extreme weather tracker, indicated that the infrastructure on the island had been severely impacted, with reported wind gusts exceeding 136 mph (220 km/h). The Prefect of Mayotte, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, communicated that the cyclone has likely led to hundreds, if not thousands, of fatalities, complicating accurate assessments due to the area’s burial customs.

The intense cyclone has been described by Meteo France as unprecedented, with gusts exceeding 200 km/h, and presenting a magnitude not experienced in Mayotte for over ninety years. This scenario raises further challenges in understanding the full extent of the disaster’s impact and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the region.

Cyclone Chido, a severe weather event, presents significant challenges to affected regions, particularly in Mozambique and Mayotte. It is essential to understand the cyclone’s development, path, and historical context of similar storms to appreciate the current situation. Given that tropical cyclones can lead to substantial humanitarian crises, knowing the affected areas’ demographics and recent challenges assists responders in effectively addressing the needs. Cyclone Chido serves as a reminder of the impact of extreme weather patterns, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and international support in disaster response.

In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has significantly affected both Mozambique and Mayotte, with critical implications for public safety and humanitarian assistance. The devastation witnessed in Mayotte and the expected threats posed to Mozambique and Malawi underline the urgent need for coordinated relief efforts. Organizations like the IOM and UNICEF are mobilizing resources to mitigate the cyclone’s impact, yet the scale of destruction may demand sustained support for the recovery and rebuilding phases in the coming months.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in